It is representative of a small hydroelectric generating facility of the early 20th century in Western New York.

[4] The park is popular with anglers seeking steelhead during the fall, winter and spring, and also includes space for picnicking and hiking.

[3][4] In 2014, local residents began petitioning for state and local support to install the "Springville Whitewater Park" at the site, which would include dedicated access and space for whitewater rafting activities.

[6] Critics of the project have raised concerns about impacts on resident brown and rainbow trout populations above the dam, and the possibility of introducing invasive species such as the sea lamprey into stretches of the creek currently free of such organisms.

The USACE proposal includes barriers that are intended to restrict the movement of sea lamprey beyond the dam.